Joint Investigation Management Group

This group led by the Police Senior Investigating Officer or the Strategic Manager – Safeguarding & Professional Practice should consist of 
experienced personnel from Police Safeguarding Unit and Children’s Services. 

The size of the group will depend on the scale of the investigation, but in the majority of cases both the Safeguarding Unit and Children & Young People's Services should provide a line manager, and two staff/officers experienced in interviewing children and trained in Achieving Best Evidence in Criminal Proceedings.

Membership may also be drawn as necessary from the appropriate health professionals, in particular Forensic Medical Examiners (FME), 
Paediatricians, Psychiatrists, Health Visitors, Education (Head Teachers and Class Teachers), Youth Justice Service staff, Crown Prosecution Service, Corporate & Legal Services, Probation, Victim Support services.

In selecting staff, consideration should be given to requirements arising from the individual needs of the relevant child/ren such as gender, culture, race, language, and where relevant, disability.

The location of the group must take account, both geographically and organisationally, of the need to maintain confidentiality, especially crucial where the investigation concerns staff or carers.

Appropriate facilities must be available for video interviews and paediatric assessments.

Administrative support, IT and accommodation requirements must be addressed at the outset, including the storage of confidential records. 
Consideration should be given to whether it is necessary to set up separate accommodation for the enquiry team.

Certain enquiries may involve an element of 'whistleblowing'. It may be necessary to consider a secure telephone line and discreet access to the enquiry team.

The Joint Investigation Group will be responsible for:

• Planning the overall investigation involving record checking, evidence gathering, planning and undertaking a series of inter-related interviews and any surveillance required considering the implications of crossing geographical boundaries
• Maintenance if written records of strategy and operational meetings 
• Gathering evidence including forensic evidence, interviews with victims and alleged abusers, witnesses and other corroborative evidence 
• Communication and liaison with agencies on a ‘need to know‘ basis
• Convening inter-agency meetings and/or child protection conferences as appropriate 
• Coordination and timing of therapeutic services 
• Regular updates to the Strategic Management Group on progress of the investigation 
• Consideration of arrangements fir court hearings and support to children and families